Mary Sealander

Mary G. Sealander, 88, of Havertown, PA, went home to be with the Lord on January 4, 2014 in New York, NY, surrounded by her loving family.



Mary was a pure and loving spirit with a strong faith and an eternally positive outlook. She was a fundamentally kind, sweet person who was interested in everyone she met and made those around her feel the love of God.



Mary was born in 1925 to Stiriana and Eli Gates in Windsor, Ontario Canada and had one brother, Thomas Gates. She graduated from Assumption College in Ontario and following college moved to Detroit, Michigan where she worked for the Dale Carnegie Institute. She earned her masters in social work from Wayne State University in 1961 and was active in Central Methodist Church of Detroit.



Mary married Edward C. Sealander in 1963 and the couple moved to Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, Mary served as a social worker for the Society to Protect Children From Cruelty.



After the birth of their children, Julie and Gregory, the family moved to Havertown and Mary stayed home and became active in church and community organizations. She was a leader in the Lynnewood Park Civic Association for over 40 years and helped organize the neighborhood July 4th parade for over 30 years. She was active in various zoning issues and always interested in maintaining the character of the community.



Mary worked as an elementary school teacher's aide for learning disabled children in the Haverford Township School District from 1975 to 1997. She was an instructional aide who worked actively alongside the teachers to help the children develop and learn.



Mary served in many roles at Trinity Lutheran Church in Havertown. She was a member of Church Council, Sunday School Committee, Women's Bible Study, Lutheran Church Women, and Christian Education Committee. Mary was the chair of the Weekday School Board, the head of Trinity's Altar Guild for many years and served as a member of the Stephen's Ministry. She and Ed taught Sunday School and in later years assisted in providing food for the homeless.



Mary's sweet and kind nature was supported by strength and integrity. "She truly never had a negative thing to say about anyone," her family said. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and her deep care, concern and sincere interest could instantly warm up a room and bring people together.



Mary is survived by her loving family husband Edward, daughter Julie (Arthur) Higgs, son Gregory (Cindy) Sealander, grandchildren Ethan and Elizabeth Higgs and Jordan and Christian Sealander.



A memorial service for Mary will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1141 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m.; service at 11:00 a.m. and lunch will follow in the church social hall at noon.